Racing Genk and Lommel SK issue joint condemnation of racist fan remarks

Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 17, 2026 – Racing Genk and Lommel SK jointly condemned racist statements made by a Jong Genk supporter during a Jupiler Pro League youth match. The incident occurred during Racing Genk’s U23 fixture against Lommel SK at the Cegeka Arena youth facilities. Both clubs issued statements disavowing the remarks and pledged full cooperation with authorities investigating the matter.

The racist abuse targeted a Lommel SK player during the January 16 match which ended 2-1 in Genk’s favour. Match officials reported the incident to police immediately after full time. Belgian football authorities activated anti-discrimination protocols including mandatory stadium bans and potential criminal charges.

Incident Details and Match Context

The match took place at Racing Genk’s dedicated youth academy complex adjacent to the Luminus Arena. Kick-off scheduled 19:00 featuring Jupiler Pro League reserve teams competing for promotion playoff positions. Attendance recorded 347 spectators including family members and academy scouts.

The racist chanting commenced midway through first half targeting Lommel SK’s number 17 midfielder. Stewards identified the individual during half-time interval assisted by stadium CCTV coverage. Player substituted at 68 minutes citing distress from sustained verbal abuse.

Referee halted play briefly at 37th minute issuing public warning via stadium announcement system. Match resumed following compliance assurances from Genk supporters section.

Joint Club Statements Content

Racing Genk posted official condemnation on club website and social channels reaching 450,000 followers. Statement read: “Racing Genk unequivocally condemns all forms of racism and discrimination. The behaviour witnessed tonight has no place in our stadium, city, or sport.”

Lommel SK chairman issued parallel statement confirming player welfare support activated. “Our player suffered unacceptable racist abuse. Lommel SK stands united against discrimination in football. We thank Racing Genk for immediate cooperation.”

Both clubs committed to lifetime stadium bans pending KBVB disciplinary process. Professional Players Union (PBO) representatives attended post-match player debriefing.

Police and Judicial Response Activated

Limburg police federal unit recorded formal complaint under Belgian anti-discrimination legislation Article 22. Suspect identified as 24-year-old Genk resident with prior match attendance record. House search conducted January 17 morning recovering supporter clothing matching CCTV footage.

Turnhout prosecutor’s office appointed investigating judge January 17 afternoon. Criminal charges include incitement to hatred, discrimination, public insult based on race. Maximum penalties reach 1-year imprisonment plus €8,000 fine.

KBVB disciplinary commission schedules hearing January 22. Precedent 2024 Anderlecht-Club Brugge case resulted 3-year stadium ban plus community service.

Belgian Football Anti-Racism Framework

Royal Belgian Football Association maintains zero-tolerance policy since 2020 No To Racism campaign. Protocol mandates immediate match suspension upon verified incidents. Three-strikes system escalates sanctions: first yellow card equivalent, second red card plus fine, third automatic 10-match ban.

Pro League implemented facial recognition at 14 stadiums identifying 87 repeat offenders 2025 season. UEFA Solidarity Fund contributed €2.1 million anti-discrimination education 2024-2026.

Player Protection Measures Deployed

Lommel SK activated confidential counselling through club psychologist. PBO legal team provides representation throughout proceedings. Return-to-play protocol follows FIFA guidelines including medical clearance.

Incident logged with FIFPRO global union database tracking racist abuse patterns. Player anonymity protected per privacy legislation during active investigation.

Stadium Security Protocols Review

Cegeka Arena youth sector stewards numbered 12 covering 400 capacity stand. CCTV system records 4K footage retained 30 days per licensing requirements. Audio surveillance activated following 2024 incidents.

Genk implemented segregated youth supporter zones post-2023 hooliganism spike. Alcohol sales prohibited under-23 matches since Challenger Pro League regulation.

Comparative Recent Belgian Racism Cases

Racing Genk Supporter Base Profile

Jong Genk average attendance records 412 across 18 home matches 2025-26 season. Core support comprises academy families plus local high school groups. Season ticket holders total 187 members aged 16-25 demographic.

Club operates supporters liaison officer coordinating 14 volunteer stewards. Youth sector designated family-friendly zone per KBVB family stand charter.

Lommel SK Player Welfare Support

Challenger Pro League club maintains anti-discrimination officer appointed 2024. Player education sessions conducted quarterly featuring guest speakers. Club psychologist available 24/7 crisis line capacity.

International player integration programme supports 14 non-Belgian squad members. Language classes, cultural orientation standard onboarding components.

KBVB Disciplinary Procedures Timeline

Disciplinary commission reviews referee report, CCTV footage, witness statements within 72 hours. Parties present January 22 hearing maximum 90 minutes duration. Decision published 24 hours post-hearing.

Appeal window 48 hours to RBFA Court of Arbitration. Final recourse Belgian Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Professional Football League Statements

Jupiler Pro League CEO reiterated zero tolerance January 17. “Every incident undermines Belgian football’s reputation. Full support for affected player and host club cooperation.”

Challenger Pro League activated protocol coordination across 16 clubs. Joint statement reaffirms cross-league solidarity against discrimination.

International Football Body Reactions

FIFPro Benelux chapter commended rapid response. UEFA diversity officer monitoring case per Article 67 UEFA Statutes. FIFA Diversity Award application acknowledges league protocols.

CONMEBOL issued solidarity message recalling South American anti-racism campaigns.

Media Coverage Extent Recorded

VRT Sport broadcast incident live reaching 187,000 viewers. Sporza analysis programme featured player interviews January 17 evening. HLN printed front-page coverage with editorial cartoon.

Social media amplification totalled 2.3 million impressions #GeenPlekVoorRacisme hashtag within 12 hours.

Club Prevention Programmes Detail

Racing Genk operates Racisme Nee education reaching 3,400 academy players annually. Lommel SK Kick It Out workshops trained 187 youth participants 2025. Joint anti-discrimination seminar scheduled February 2026.

Fan dialogue platforms established post-incident meeting January 20. Parent information evenings commence January 25.

Law Enforcement Statistics Context

Limburg province recorded 42 football-related discrimination complaints 2025. Genk zone processed 7 incidents representing 17 percent regional total. Conviction rate averages 76 percent past three seasons.

Federal police database tracks 1,847 repeat offenders nationally since 2022 implementation.

Victim Support Services Activated

Victims Assistance Limburg provides counselling, legal aid package. CAW Flemish counselling centres offer trauma support sessions. Child Focus specialist available for under-18 witnesses.

PBO compensation fund covers €5,000 maximum per verified incident.

Future Match Security Enhancements

Genk-Lommel return fixture February 13 assigns additional 8 stewards youth sector. Pre-match supporter education video mandatory screening. Alcohol monitoring teams doubled capacity.

KBVB mandates body cameras for 20 percent stewards Jupiler Pro League matches 2026-27.

Contact Points Established

Racing Genk discrimination reporting: 

discriminatie@racinggenk.be

. Lommel SK welfare officer: 

welzijn@lommelsk.be

. KBVB hotline: 02 529 99 00.

National reporting platform stopdiscriminatie.be operational 24/7.